Windows 8 comes with a built-in feature that allows you to reinstall a clean version of Windows 8 without having to use an installation disk or product key. Windows 8 can be reinstalled using either the “Refresh your PC” or “Reset your PC” options under Settings.

Steps

Method1

Refreshing Windows 8 (Saves Personal Files)

1

Press the Windows + C keys at the same time. This brings up the Charms bar.

2

Select “Settings,” then select “Change PC Settings.”

3

Select “General,” then scroll down until you see “Refresh your PC without affecting your Files.”

4

Click on “Get Started,” then select “Next.” Your computer will refresh itself, while saving your personal files and apps downloaded from Windows Store. Your installed desktop programs will be erased, but all other personal files will be saved.

5

Wait approximately 15 to 20 minutes for Windows to finish refreshing your PC. When complete, Windows will display a list of applications that were removed during the refresh.[1]

Method2

Resetting Windows 8 (Erases All Files)

1

Back up and save all personal files and data to a third-party storage location. Resetting Windows 8 will wipe and erase all data from your PC, and restore the computer’s original factory settings. Save your files to a cloud storage service, USB flash drive, or disk.

2

Press the Windows + C keys at the same time. This brings up the Charms bar.

3

Select “Settings,” then select “Change PC Settings.”

4

Select “General,” then scroll down until you see “Remove everything and reinstall Windows.”

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Tips

Select the option to refresh your Windows 8 computer if your PC runs slowly and takes a relatively long time to boot up. This option deletes all third-party apps and restores all system files to a fresh, working state, which can help resolve problems with slowness.

If your Windows 8 PC fails to boot up properly and displays the “Advanced Startup Options” menu upon startup, select “Troubleshoot” to access the options to refresh or reset your PC.

Warnings

If you upgraded your computer from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 and select the option to reset your PC, your computer will restore Windows 8 files. Keep in mind that you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 once again after the reset is complete.[3]